Ruth and her husband, Herman, were married at the "old" St. Luke's Church on Russell Avenue, June 6, 1942 by Father "Pop" Harding. Ruth & Herman were members of the Fellowship Group and enjoyed many, many social evenings. Herman passed away December 1974.
Ruth has 2 children, Pat (Art) Kuenstler & JoAnn (Leary) Peterson; 2 grandchildren, Sheryl (Brian) Bertram and Mark (Debra) Kuenstler, and 3 great grandchildren, Meagan Bertram and Kyle and Madison Kuenstler.
For many years Ruth was a chaperone at Camp Blazing Star in Nashotah. She used to make "B's" with a star on different colored felt for each year a person attended camp. These were eagerly anticipated at the award ceremony on the last night of camp. Another of her pet projects was making the counted cross-stitch bibs "Hug an Episcopalian - ME" given to the newly baptized. Ruth enjoyed all types of handicraft; they were always a big ticket item at bazaars. (I've seen a quilling project that she did; it is awesome!)
Ruth has served her church in many ways. She was the church secretary for "Pop" Harding, a member of St. Cecelia's and St. Ann's Guild, clerk of vestry, and E.C.W. treasurer. She cooked for Kiwanis who used to have regular meals here, baked much and often, (Her husband’s famous quote was: Is that going to church again?) She helped organize wedding receptions, turkey dinners and worked countless rummage sales. The recent addition of the refurbished stained glass windows from the old church brought back many memories of time and people gone by. She remembers moving day when the entire church was moved to the undercroft and services were held there until the "top" of the church was finished. She remembers "Pop" Harding, Fr. Breich, Fr. McCall, Fr. Karl Layer, Fr. Doan, Fr. Fessler and Fr. Schwarz as they served St. Lukes and, of course, our beloved Fr. Michael.
Although a stroke 11 years ago has slowed her down, at 85, Ruth continues to forge ahead and rarely misses a Sunday service or the chance to assist at many church functions. One of her favorite quotes is: "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Her life exemplifies this belief. I am grateful to Ruth Lenz for her example and for sharing her memories with me (as is the rest of her church!). Submitted by Marge Kiss